Pampore, Jammu & Kashmir – For nearly 150 years, the inhabitants of Wuyan, Khonmoh, Shar-I-Shali, Ladhoo, Mandekpal, and adjacent areas in Tehsil Pampore have relied on stone quarries and stone crushing units as a primary source of livelihood. This age-old practice, initiated by their ancestors, has been the backbone of the local economy, supporting generations through the work of stone extraction and crushing.
The stone quarries, known for producing Wuyan metal (WBM, WMM), have been integral to the region’s infrastructure, providing essential materials for road pavement and construction projects. The government has benefitted significantly from the revenue generated through royalties and other charges associated with this industry.
However, in recent years, the quarry workers and stone crusher operators have faced increasing challenges. Restrictions imposed by the authorities have hindered their ability to continue their work, causing widespread economic hardship. Many workers have taken loans to sustain their operations, but the cessation of work has turned these loans into non-performing assets (NPAs), further exacerbating their financial woes.
The impact of these restrictions extends beyond the workers themselves. The education of their children is at risk as families struggle to pay school fees, threatening the future prospects of the younger generation. Despite the quarry holders’ adherence to the rules and regulations set by the Geology and Mining Department, the issuance of short-term permits ceased in June 2019, leaving the community in a precarious position.
The cessation has also affected approximately 70 stone crusher units in Wuyan, which have been operational for the past five decades. These units represent significant investments and play a crucial role in the development of the state’s infrastructure, providing employment to many individuals.
In a recent development, Ab. Rahim Khanday, President of the Quarry Association Wuyan (Regd. No: 1163), and Farooq Ahmad Wani, Sarpanch of Wuyan, engaged in discussions with Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat, a Malaysian-return entrepreneur and social and political activist. The meeting, which included representatives from several digital media outlets, aimed to bring attention to the dire situation faced by the quarry workers.
Dr. Bhat has made an urgent appeal to Sh. Manoj Sinha, the Honorable Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, to intervene and address the issues plaguing the quarrying community. He emphasized the need for immediate action on humanitarian grounds to ensure the livelihood and welfare of the people in the affected areas.
The memorandum, submitted via email, calls for a review and favorable orders to restore the operations of the stone quarries and crushing units, thereby securing the economic stability and future of the local population.
